The aim of this research is to examine the competencies of children’s librarians regarding the design, content and educational features of children’s picture books and to reveal their knowledge levels. Qualitative research approach was used in the study in which criterion sampling technique was preferred. A total of 22 library personnel working in four children’s libraries in Gaziantep formed the working group; The data were collected through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers. The data, which were subjected to content analysis, were presented as figures, and the views of children’s librarians were quoted. In the study, the opinions of the children’s library staff about the features that should be in quality children’s books and the features they pay attention to when recommending children’s books are gathered in three categories: suitable for the child, internal structure elements and external structure elements. It has been determined that the personnel participating in the research have knowledge about each of these categories. It has been concluded that children’s librarians attach importance to the principle of child relevance and child reality in children’s literature products, they mostly use children’s books in fairy tale telling and drama applications in activities in the library, and among the genres they suggest, story and fairy tale genres come to the fore.

Anahtar Kelimeler
Children’s librarianship, children’s literature, picture books for children, book selection.